Week Thirty-Four: Reformation

When and where was Martin Luther born?

He was born on November 10, 1483, in Eisleben, which was then part of the Holy Roman Empire.

What career did Luther’s father want him to pursue?

Luther’s father wanted him to become a lawyer.

What major event caused Luther to become a monk in 1505?

During a thunderstorm on July 2, 1505, Luther was nearly struck by lightning and vowed to become a monk if he survived.

What monastery did Luther enter in 1505?

He entered St. Augustine's Monastery on July 17, 1505.

Where did Luther earn his master’s degree and later teach theology?

He earned his master’s degree at University of Erfurt and later taught at University of Wittenberg.

What were indulgences?

Indulgences were church grants intended to reduce punishment for sins, but they were often abused as a way to raise money.

Which pope authorized the sale of indulgences in 1515?

Pope Leo X authorized indulgence sales to help fund construction of St. Peter's Basilica.

Who was Johann Tetzel?

Johann Tetzel was an indulgence seller whose exaggerated claims angered Luther.

What were the Ninety-Five Theses?

The Ninety-Five Theses were Luther’s 1517 arguments criticizing indulgences and church abuses.

On what date did Luther traditionally post the Ninety-Five Theses?

October 31, 1517, at the Wittenberg Castle Church.

What was Luther’s doctrine of justification by faith?

Luther taught that people are saved by faith in Christ alone, not by good works.

What did Luther believe was the sole authority for religious truth?

He believed Scripture, not the pope or church councils, was the highest authority.

What important debate took place in Leipzig in 1519?

Luther debated Johann Eck and argued that popes and councils could make errors.

Why was Luther excommunicated in 1521?

He was excommunicated for refusing to abandon teachings that challenged papal authority and Catholic doctrine.

What happened at the Diet of Worms in 1521?

Luther refused to recant his teachings before Charles V and the imperial diet at Worms.

What was the Edict of Worms?

Issued in May 1521, it declared Luther an outlaw whom anyone could kill without punishment. Humanity really had a flair for conflict resolution.

Who protected Luther after the Diet of Worms?

Frederick the Wise hid him at Wartburg Castle.

Why was Luther’s German Bible translation important?

It allowed ordinary people to read Scripture in German and helped shape the modern German language.

What were Luther’s Small and Large Catechisms?

Written in 1529, they were instructional guides explaining Christian beliefs, the Ten Commandments, the Lord’s Prayer, baptism, and the Lord’s Supper.

What were major results of the Reformation?

The Reformation split western Christianity into Protestant and Catholic branches, encouraged literacy and education, strengthened nationalism, and contributed to religious diversity across Europe.